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Stain Removal Guide for Carpet

The definitive guide to carpets stain removal

Stain Removal Guide for Carpet
Finger-paint artwork, ‘presents’ from Rover, and grape juice are just a few of the many things that don’t belong on carpet but somehow manage to end up there. Many stains can be removed with products found around the house.

Before attempting to remove a stain, keep these things in mind. Blot the stain from the outside in and get it as dry as possible. Use clean water to rinse and blot again. Do not scrub the carpet. You run the risk of letting the stain soak through to the pad or ruining the fiber.
Below is some specific information for particular kinds of stains. Many stains are treated in the same manner. Others require special treatment to avoid becoming permanent.

Always use the method that is least destructive first. Do not use the above mixture on carpet made of wool or a wool blend. For those carpets, use water and mild detergent. If that mixture doesn’t work, try five parts of water to one part chlorine bleach on solution-dyed carpet like polypropylene. Bleach harms other carpet fibers. If unsure about the rug content, check with the manufacturer.

Wax, Oil, and Fat

An iron, set on warm, placed on a paper towel over the stain can be used. The oil, fat, or wax comes off the carpet and sticks to the paper towel.

Cigarette Burns

Gently rub the pile with an edge of a flat and hard surface like a dull knife.

Gum and Wax

Freeze the gum or wax with ice. Use a blunt object like a spoon to shatter the frozen mass. Vacuum quickly before the pieces begin to soften. Use a white towel to blot the carpet.

Nail Polish

Dip a rag into nail polish remover and blot the area.

Urine

Use white towels to absorb as much of the urine as possible. Blot with a cool, damp cloth. Spray or blot with a solution made of one part water to one part white vinegar. Apply a solution made with a ½ teaspoon mild, clear nonbleach detergent and a quart of water. Rinse. Blot dry. If a dog accident was responsible for the urine stain, you may want to try a product like No-Go as a housebreaking aid.

Precautions When No Relying on Professional Carpet Stain Removal:
• Equipment needs enough vacuum power that allows the carpet to dry in six to 12 hours.
• Dehumidifiers and fans expedited drying time. Carpets wet for more than a day are at risk of bacteria and mold growth.
• Only use cleaning solutions that have no more than a pH of ten.
• Be sure that all detergent was removed after cleaning.
• Check the carpet warranty. Stain-resistant carpets must be cleaned with manufacturer formulated products or you risk voiding the warranty or impairing effectiveness.